On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Paige Trbojevic. Paige is a 26-year-old female who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes from the age of four. Having managed her diabetes since she was 12-13 Paige now speaks about her past struggles with food, body, and diabetes management. Through modifying her food choices from such a young age Paige started to categorise food as good or bad. When transitioning into her teenage years Paige had to weigh her foods, was regularly weighed by her diabetes team, and had to count the amount of carbohydrates that was in her food to balance her sugar levels. Noticing that she couldn’t eat foods freely like other kids her age and being concerned about her insulin levels Paige began to restrict her food to be what she thought was being a “better diabetic”. However, in conjunction with body image concerns this then turned into laxative use, purging, and diabulimia where Paige was formally diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa just before her 15th birthday.

During her struggles with disordered eating Paige lost her period for 5 years, struggled with Osteopenia and had experienced significant strains on her close relationships. Going through periods of not taking her insulin Paige jeopardised her health and her life. On today’s episode Paige talks about the amazing treatment she received through the two years she spent within Sydney Children’s Hospital’s outpatient program. Where she was seen by a Social Worker, a Nurse and Paediatrician in conjunction with her diabetes treatment team, a psychologist, and her GP. This is where Paige received the right support she needed to completely recover from disordered eating. Where Paige was then able to find her identity outside of the eating disorders and build a wonderful life for herself. Amazingly, Paige is now a Qualified Hospital Social Worker, is grateful for her body, and has so many beautiful relationships that she is able to nurture alongside taking care of her health. On that note, please enjoy our next lovely guest, Paige!

Podcast summary:

1. Being diagnosed with diabetes type 1 at a young age

2.  Modifying food for a health condition

3. Co-occurring eating disorders and health concerns  

4. Seeing a paediatrician alongside Eating Disorder Treatment

5. Seeking support from a treatment team

Links from the episode:

BodyMatters Australasia Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bodymatters.com.au/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

BodyMatters Instagram: bodymattersau

Butterfly Foundation Helpline:  Call their National Helpline on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1800 33 4673⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠chat online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email